Car Warranty: Do You Need Dealer's Service?

While buying a new car, some dealers might tell you that you have to get the recommended service items regularly done 'at their shop' to keep your warranty in effect.

The subtly-forwarded incorrect part of this statement is 'at their shop'. You do not need to follow this, if you do not want. You can get service done anywhere; you can even do it yourself. Just keep records and receipts, should any questions arise over a warranty claim.

The part of the statement which holds true and you must keep in mind is that: If you do not follow the scheduled maintenance like oil changes and filters at recommended intervals, that can void a warranty.

Internet-only Deals: Free Cellphones

image: Samsung Blackjack

On its website, AT&T is giving away the Samsung BlackJack to customers who sign a two-year commitment to a $50-per-month data-and-voice plan. Samsung BlackJack is a great-looking smartphone with a full keyboard for email and text messages. It can be purchased for $100 after a $100 rebate in AT&T stores. There are other internet-only deals for free phones available in their website.

T-Mobile USA is giving web-exclusive offers on three phones for free on its Website. Two more free offers are also available for phones that are also stocked in stores.

At the website of Sprint Nextel Corp, customers can purchase a recent version of the Motorola Razr, the V3M, for free and there's no activation fee. The phone costs $50 in stores, after a $50 rebate.

At the website of Verizon Wireless, there are offers on 3 phones for free, when purchased online.